Visit Somerset - The Jewel of the South West

Think of Somerset and what comes to mind - stunning views across open countryside, sandy beaches, superb strawberries, Cheddar cheese and cider? World-wide, our county is famous for its Glastonbury Festival, illuminated carnivals, Mulberry handbags and Arthurian Legends. There is more! Much more.

We are here to help you discover more of this amazing county.

Whether this is your first visit, whether you return to us year after year or whether you live here, we are sure there will be surprises and ideas on these pages that will lead to some unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.

Somerset is the UK's seventh biggest county and its boundaries have changed over the years. When we talk of it, we include the magnificent City of Bath in the east; our National Park, Exmoor in the west; the historic town of Crewkerne in the south and Portishead, the northern most point on our coast.

To ease navigation, we have divided the county into four – north, west, south and east - on the Explore Somerset pages. These areas do not reflect administrative districts but should help you plan your visit by describing the different character of each and what there is to see and do.

We think you will be astonished at the variety of landscape, architecture and culture to be found. From coastal cliffs to moorland; from cityscapes to village greens and from arts festivals to agricultural shows – Somerset really does have it all.

Characterised by deep wooded valleys or "combes", open heath land and rich flora and fauna, the Quantocks was the first area in the country to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.

Tourism experts in the county have put their heads together, sifted through hundreds of suggestions from residents & visitors and come up with 50 Secrets - delightful hidden gems in Somerset and Exmoor.